Bye-bye Birkin

Every Indian celebrity with a certain bank balance has, at some time or the other walked with a Hermes Birkin bag on her arm. It almost began to seem like an uniform. From actresses to star wives, models to socialites, everyone had a Birkin. Almost, as if there was no waiting list in India for this bag priced at $10,000 (approx Rs5 lakh).

While the likes of Victoria Beckham and Lady Gaga and Naomi Campbell have got their Birkin fix, for some reason it has been a bigger craze in Asia (India, Hongkong and Singapore). They are everywhere and in every form — different colours, different versions and even embellished ones. Ameesha Patel is known to have a collection of Birkins, like none other. However, somewhere along the way, the demand exceeded the buyers and the bag which was considered a statement for status symbol, has suddenly become common.

Nothing outstanding
Stylist Rick Roy says he personally never understood the craze for the bag. “It’s one of those classic items, but frankly I don’t think there’s anything outstanding about it. In fact, it’s not particularly young nor does it go with everything. The bag sold well since it followed a marketing strategy of having a waiting list for the product. And we always want things we can’t have!” says Rick. He agrees that the craving for the bag is not much anymore and hence people are also taking it out much less.

Better alternatives
For a bag lover, especially a Hermes fan, a Birkin will never lose its sheen, says designer Pria Kataaria Puri. “People in India are hesitant to use the bag today since there are so many of them out there. I prefer the Kelly bag from the same brand — it’s available in different skins and more practical, travel-friendly and less common as compared to the Birkin. In my opinion, the Birkin is not a bag for parties, it’s a big bag that suits better for work or travel,” says Pria.